Horticulture Technician

Job Description

Description:

Position Purpose

The Horticulture Technician is responsible for supporting research efforts, crop estimates, crop scouting, and data analysis. Excellent communication and relationship building with grower-members is intrinsic to this role.

Organizational Relationships

Direct Supervisor: Great Lakes Horticulturist

Significant Relationships: Great Lakes Operations Team, Food Safety Team, Berry Blue Breeding Team, and Great Lakes Operations Team

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

1. Member Services

• Conducts pest and crop monitoring in Great Lakes production area.
• Assists with crop estimates.
• Evaluates crop production and pest monitoring service needs of Great Lakes members.
• Determine the applicability of new technologies to solve member production problems.

2. Communication

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with producer-owners, horticultural service providers, and industry representatives.
• Disseminates and researches sustainable farming practices and serves as an educational resource in sustainability.
• Aids in the documentation/revision of member production information in the Midwest, including up to date GPS mapping of all field/farms.
• Assists in the development and management of a multidisciplinary horticultural research and educational outreach program.

3. Research and Development

• Conduct members needs assessments and recommend researchable topics.
• Assists in applied research in areas such as pest management, nutrition, plant physiology, and variety evaluation.

4. Organizational

• Monitors crop conditions and provide reports of crop volume, timing, and quality.
• Assists Horticulturist in development of production reports, pesticide regulatory issues, and research project coordination and analysis.

5. Quantitative Data/Job Dimensions

• Ensure grower maps and grower data are up to date annually.

Qualifications and Skills Required

1. Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural discipline required.

2. Documented experience in blueberry production systems, research, and production.

3. Proven ability to interact with crop producers, industry representatives, and co-workers.

4. Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clear driving record.

5. Ability and willingness to travel within all affiliated production areas.

6. Competency using a computer to prepare reports and presentations (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Agrian, Power BI) with a willingness to learn additional skills.

7. Excellent observational and recordkeeping skills

8. Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

9. Ability to function as a team player and to work in a professional and confidential manner.

Physical Demand (With or without accommodations)

1. Must be able to work in all weather conditions.

2. Must be able to lift and carry 25-50lbs.

3. Must be available on weekends and prepared for a 40+ hours of work (as the business need requires).

Location: Grand Junction, MI

Hours: Full-time, Exempt